Revisiting the conformation of xanthan and the effect of industrially relevant treatments

► Detailed methodology for the characterisation of xanthan using GPC-MALLS by taking into account the insoluble highly associated fraction. ► Characterisation of a commercial xanthan following relevant industrial treatments using various techniques on the same sample. ► Method to produce xanthan low molecular weight fraction with tunable conformations. ► Summary of all work to date on xanthan conformation and proposal of a model to reconcile the conflicting reports.